Prison Song

The American dream is at odds with the American justice system in this story of the deterioration of the soul of one inner-city African-American male. Raised primarily in group homes, Elijah (Q-Tip) lifts himself up through art and education. When a full college scholarship is revoked, frustration and anger takes over. Fighting with another youth in the group home, he accidentally kills the other boy. Sentenced as an adult, the stoic Elijah now attempts to free his broken spirit through art once again as he serves his 15-year-to-life sentence.

Rapper Q-Tip conceived and stars in this critique on the prison system and the idea of American justice. Characters allow the audience into their thoughts by breaking into song with solemnity in a manner that could introduce a younger, more jaded audience to the musical format. Darnell Martin (I LIKE IT LIKE THAT) offers compassionate direction and supporting work is provided by Mary J. Blige, Elvis Costello, and Danny Hoch.